Three AC Fan Problems That Can Affect Your AC Performance

If you're noticing poor performance from your AC unit that you've tracked down to the fan itself, you're well on the road to having your unit back in working order. You may even be able to take care of the problem on your own, depending on what type of issue the fan is dealing with. Here are three problems the AC fan may develop and what you can do about them.

1. Fan blockage

Blockage can occur in two ways. The most obvious way is when debris gets inside the unit itself and physically obstructs the fan. It's hard to miss this problem if you're outside inspecting your unit. But another blockage can occur when nearby debris obstructs airflow to the unit itself. Thick bushes, weeds, and piles of dead leaves can cause this problem. Make sure your unit has enough "breathing room" to take in air freely. One or two feet in each direction, and four feet from the top, is best. Air blockage can also be caused by building walls, other AC units, and piles of snow from the roof.

2. Physical damage

The fan blades are long and relatively thin, and they can twist and warp with surprising ease. Whether your two-year-old stuck his toy inside the unit or whether a falling branch poked its way through the top, fan blade damage may be the result. Replacing the fan may be the only option in some of these cases. Other ways the fan can become damaged include:

  • Hitting loose parts inside the unit
  • Bending when you (or a maintenance professional) open the unit to do repairs

The longer you put off repairing or replacing the fan, the more damage you're likely to have. This is because a bent or damaged fan blade can end up hitting other parts of the unit, damaging itself further and damaging them at the same time. An AC unit is designed efficiently without a lot of extra space inside, so even a slightly bent fan could be touching other parts. And the more damaged the fan blade is, the more strain is put on other parts of the unit (such as the compressor), which may ultimately overheat and fail from lack of air if the problem is ignored.

3. Connection problems

During the course of normal operation, a fan screw may occasionally work loose. This is an easy fix as long as you catch it in time. If you hear a strange rattling sound from the fan, this could be the cause. To keep the fan in good working order you should check it periodically for loose screws, rust, and dirt. Cleaning the fan may also alleviate strange sounds.

These three fan problems are all capable of keeping your AC unit from working at its best. You can increase your unit's chances of success by cleaning the fan periodically, checking its screws, giving it room to breathe, and protecting it from violent damage. To learn more, speak with a business like Tailor Made Maintenance Inc.

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